The Clinton administration produced a flurry of appliance standards in its last days, including one for central air-conditioners.

The claim that rolling back the stricter standards for central air-conditioners helps to protect low-income families is off the mark.

The Energy Department gave up its three-year effort to weaken an efficiency standard for central air-conditioners.

Indeed, it tried unsuccessfully to roll back standards for central air-conditioners.

Goodman, based in Houston, is a leading producer of central air-conditioners.

For a central air-conditioner, the nameplate is usually on the outdoor condensing unit.

It also tried to roll back strong Clinton-era standards for central air-conditioners.

The rule, which applies to central air-conditioners for houses, was one of several published by the Clinton administration during its last few days in office.

But it is still reviewing a rule that would raise the minimum efficiency of central air-conditioners by 30 percent.

Experts disagree about the additional cost of more efficient central air-conditioners and the size of the benefits.